Read More

Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, the NHS said.

“On arrival, I was given antibiotics as a precaution and taken to acute A&E, as meningitis was suspected,” Jessie explained.

“I had a lumbar puncture, a catheter inserted, various antivirals, sickness tablets and fluids. Following this I had a CT scan, MRI and was diagnosed with meningitis and early encephalitis (swelling on the brain).”

Fed antibiotics, the student spent the next week in hospital and several more weeks at home, before returning to university.

She had lost a stone in weight and was very weak, but better.

The super-fit undergraduate, left, has been forced to cut back on her dance routines, as the nerves in her leg have been affected (Image: PA Real Life)

It was, she thought, the end of it - until a night out in London for a friend’s birthday in July 2016.

“I went to London even though I felt ill,” she explained. “I just didn’t feel myself.

“I thought it was sinusitis.”

Back in Guildford the next day, she went to the GP who reportedly carried out general tests and recommended that she had her eyes tested.

But, once again, her condition deteriorated, so she called her dad.

“He came down again and once he saw me, called the NHS helpline who advised me to go to hospital,” she recalled.

Read More

At the Royal Surrey Hospital, a diagnosis of viral meningitis was made - again.

“I was so shocked,” said Jessie, who wants to thank the doctors who cared for her.

“Now I wonder if, after the first time, I shouldn’t have thrown myself back into life so fully.”

A week later, after the same treatment as before, Jessie was discharged.

However, she suffered lasting damage to her health.

“Now I live in the shadow of the meningitis returning,” she said.

“But I refuse to let it affect me.

Jessie spoke as the University of Surrey confirmed there had been three cases of meningitis B, a form of bacterial meningitis, since March this year (file picture) (Image: Rex Features)

“At present I am on a muscle relaxant for neuropathic pain.

“My symptoms now include a weakness to hold and grip things; a tingly/numb pain in my outer arms, upper back, knees, back of lower legs and the top of my feet; sudden twitches or urge to move and spasms; pressure around my knee joint; an achy and restless leg; and I feel bruised in my leg.

“I’m extremely sensitive to touch to the point of pain.”

“Normally I can only manage one big thing a day. Before, I could go to the gym, then work, then meet friends. Now I can only mange one thing. Otherwise I feel very weak and fatigued.

"However, luckily, the pain varies and can be better on some days than others.”

Still, Jessie said she has learnt from her experience, adding: “It made me a stronger and more appreciative person.”

Read More

Professor Max Lu, vice chancellor of the University of Surrey, said "the health and wellbeing of everyone on campus is of the utmost importance".

In relation to Mr's Igboanugo death, he said: "We are greatly saddened by the death of our student and our hearts go out to his family and friends during what continues to be a very difficult time."

He continued: "We are working closely with PHE on a targeted vaccination programmed and are reassured that the risk to staff, students and visitors is still very low."

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Associate Dean for Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "We appreciate that when cases of meningitis B occur there is increased concern about the potential spread, but evidence shows that meningococcal infection is not highly contagious, comparatively rare and the risk to the wider community remains very low.

"Only people who have prolonged, close contact with an ill person are at a slightly increased risk of becoming unwell.

"If anyone is in any doubt or are concerned about their health, or the health of others, please call NHS 111 urgently."

Read More

The university said there was no direct link between the three most recent cases.

Jessie was supported by Meningitis Now, which provides support, funds research and raises awareness of the disease.

The charity offers support to students.

A statement said: “Although meningitis can affect anyone at any time, there are certain bacteria that increase the risk of meningitis in teenagers and students. These are meningococcal A, B, C, W and Y and they can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) which can kill within hours.

“The simple fact that you will be one of hundreds, if not thousands, of people coming together to live in close proximity to share your student experiences adds to your vulnerability.”